Garden memories Gardening information and advice for people experiencing memory loss; their carers, friends and family
Garden memories Gardening information and advice for people experiencing memory loss; their carers, friends and family Contents Introduction page 4 1 Gardening and memory loss page 5 2 Basic design points page 7 3 Safety in the garden page 9 4 Getting started in the garden page 11 5 Grading gardening activities page 13 6 Some step-by-step gardening jobs page 15 7 Garden calendar page 27 Your notes page 35 Acknowledgements page 37
page 4 Introduction Gardening is one of the most popular activities in the UK an estimated 6.5 million people in the UK enjoy it, and around 80 per cent of the population have access to a garden. At Thrive we believe that gardening fosters a strong sense of health and wellbeing in people with a range of disabilities and have found it can be particularly helpful to those experiencing memory loss and other forms of dementia. If you are close to someone who is experiencing memory, loss or are experiencing it yourself, you may like to give some gardening tasks a try. We have seen how they can help rebuild confidence and alleviate anxieties and how shared tasks with carers, friends, and family can benefit relationships. Thrive is a national charity which helps people improve their health and well-being through gardening. For more than 30 years, we have seen first-hand how gardening can transform lives. Our research shows that nearly one in three (31 per cent) of people with a disability believes that gardening has ongoing health benefits*. *Research commissioned by Thrive from Mintel Custom Solutions, 2006. If you or someone you care for is affected by dementia, we hope this guide will encourage you to experience the continued benefits that gardening can bring.
1 Gardening and memory loss Over time, those experiencing dementia may not be able to maintain their ability to manage everyday tasks, as their mood and understanding are affected. These changes mean help may be needed to find new ways to do these jobs, such as breaking each task down into stages. Many familiar gardening jobs can quite easily be broken down into smaller steps. Through this approach people can be encouraged to continue to achieve. If chosen well, the tasks may help improve coordination and mobility, to boost mood and can help with sleep. Choosing and talking about plants can spark memories and conversation. A well-designed garden can be a safe, and enjoyable place that can help give a sense of time and continuity through being in touch with the seasons. Gardening can aid concentration and confidence; it is also a good form of exercise which in turn helps page 5 1 Gardening and memory loss
1 Gardening and memory loss page 6 Other gardening benefits People with dementia are less likely to become agitated and distressed if they have regular access to fresh air and exercise and a quiet space away from others when they need it. A garden gives fresh air, exercise and exposure to sunlight which is vital for well-being. In a garden it s possible for everyone no matter what their ability work at their own pace, doing as much or as little as they like, while gaining a sense of achievement.
2 Basic design points There are some design points that should be taken into account when designing or modifying a garden for use by those with memory loss: The garden should be easy to find from inside. For example, the view of the garden or the pathway to it should not be blocked by furniture. Well designed, clear and safe patios, paths and steps are important parts of a garden. They give routes to move from one area to another, as well as making space to enjoy. Seating close to and away from the house gives safe resting points and somewhere to aim for. Seating can be a place for conversation, quiet reflection and enjoyment of the changing seasons. Beds or containers that are at comfortable heights will make gardening more enjoyable. Circular or figure-of-eight routes round the garden are easier to negotiate as there is no need to make decisions. page 7 2 Basic design points
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3 Safety in the garden Safety in the garden is of prime importance, and the measures needed to keep those experiencing memory loss secure depends on individual level of awareness. General safety points to consider Safe access to the garden. Paths, patios and steps need to be firm, level and non-glare. An enclosed garden reduces the likelihood of wandering off. Any water feature needs careful consideration. Poisonous plants should be avoided. The garden should be checked for other hazards, such as un-capped canes. page 9 3 Safety in the garden
3 Safety in the garden page 10 Safety checks for paths, patios and steps Paths, patios and steps provide the access routes around the garden, so it is important that they are safe to use. Loose and uneven paths and paving can cause trips and falls. Replace them with a firm and level surface. Soft paths such as grass, bark and some gravel surfaces can be hard to walk on. Replace areas like this with a firmer surface. Plants spreading are another hazard. Cut plants right back away from path and patio edges. Make sure there are no obstructions on or overhanging the path, such as branches. Moss, algae, or debris can make paving slippery. Keep it clean with a proprietary cleaner and clear any debris. Areas of paving that become slippery in wet weather should be re-laid with a material with better grip. Pale concrete and paving areas can cause glare in bright sunlight which can be uncomfortable and disorienting. Replace with darker surfaces. People with reduced mobility can find narrow paths and steps difficult. A minimum width of one metre is best. Avoid steps of different heights, as they can cause accidents. Replace with steps of the same height. Avoid steps altogether if possible. If they are needed, install a sturdy handrail.
4 Getting started in the garden Use safe, well-maintained, familiar tools. Familiarity can trigger normal response and activity in those experiencing memory loss. Keeping tools well maintained will also help as they will be easier to use. Those experiencing memory loss usually garden best when left to work at their own pace and with people who guide but do not take over. Some tools can be replaced with items that are more familiar and easier to use. Scissors can be used instead of secateurs for light trimming jobs. They are easier to handle and the action of the scissors is more likely to be remembered. Gardening can be small-scale, like planting a window box or some tubs, or tending houseplants or indoor bulbs. page 11 4 Getting started in the garden
4 Getting started in the garden page 12 Taking care helpful hints For those who have little strength, lightweight and long-handled tools can be easier and less tiring to use than full-sized ones. It s also possible to garden sitting down if tubs are at the right height. Wearing comfortable clothes that suit the season make gardening more pleasant and a simple warm-up exercise, such as a short walk around the garden, before starting is helpful. Strain by lifting heavy things, or bending uncomfortably for long periods should be avoided and breaks are important to avoid tiredness. Year-round activities Some activities can carried out all through the year, and routine activities can help to give a sense of continuity. Suggestions include: clearing and tidying the garden, patio and paths preparation and planning for growing and sowing looking at magazines, seed catalogues, etc.
5 Grading gardening activities No one should feel overwhelmed by the work. Breaking the jobs into smaller sections can help make tasks manageable. Here is a sequence of actions to help this. Where will the activity be done? How will it be carried out? What equipment is needed? What plant material is needed? What will be needed to clear up? page 13 5 Grading gardening activities
5 Grading gardening activities page 14 To help, here is an example for sowing seeds: 1. Where will the activity be done? Greenhouse, shed, kitchen table, garden table? Sown trays can be placed on a windowsill, or in a conservatory or greenhouse. 2. How will it be carried out? Depending on ability, the gardener might be able to do the whole activity or just one or more parts of the job. Choosing a manageable task appropriate to concentration levels is important to success. A single task could be filling the tray or pots with compost. Collecting items and clearing could also be done by one person. 3. What equipment is needed? Seed trays or pots? Seedlings don t need to be pricked out if divided trays, where each seedling has its own cell of compost, are used. Use a propagator or a tray with a lid; dibber, levelling board, general purpose compost, a potting tray or compost tidy tray, sieve, watering can with a fine rose, labels, pencil, rubber. 4. What plant material is needed? Packets of seed 5. Clearing up Clean and store tools and equipment. Position sown items where they will germinate.
6 Some step-by-step gardening jobs The following examples are approaches to various common gardening jobs. Sowing seeds You will need... Seed tray and compost, seeds, watering can, label and pen 1 2 3 In a standard tray, space the seed Overfill a seed tray with seed compost. Level the compost using a sawing action. Place a levelling board over the seed tray and press firmly. out evenly, starting from one long and one short side of the tray. page 15 6 Some step-by-step gardening jobs
6 Some step-by-step gardening jobs page 16 Sowing seeds (continued) 4 5 Put two handfuls of seed compost into the sieve and sprinkle a thin layer of compost over the seeds. Label the seed tray. Water the tray with a watering can with a fine rose.
Pricking out You will need... Small pot, seedlings, compost, dibber, widget, piece of wood for levelling, watering can, label and pen 1 2 3 Place a widget under the roots Overfill a pot with seed compost. Tap the pot on the bench three times to settle the compost. Level the compost with a piece of wood. of a healthy seedling and lift the it out by one leaf not the stem. page 17
page 18 Pricking out (continued) 4 5 6 Label and water. Make a hole in the centre of the pot with the dibber, pen or your finger. Put the seedling in the hole with leaves just above the compost. Tap the pot on the bench to settle.
Potting on You will need... Small pot, larger pot, compost, watering can, label and pen 1 2 3 Select a pot the next size up. Put a small amount of compost into the bottom of this pot. Take the plant out of the pot and place to one side. Put the small pot into the larger pot. Make sure that the tops are level. page 19
page 20 Potting on (continued) 4 Hold the small pot still 5 Take the small pot out 6 Drop the plant into the 7 in the centre. Fill the gap between pots with compost and firm. by twisting and lifting it. hole. Tap to level the compost. Label and water.
Taking semi-ripe cuttings Some plants or shrubs that can be propagated in this way are Hebe, Deutzia, Cornus, Philadelphus and Weigela. You will need... Secateurs, 12.5cm pot, sand and compost mix, watering can, label and pen, small canes or sticks and a plastic bag 1 2 3 4 Choose a shoot without flowers or flower buds. Trim the bottom few leaves off. Make a straight cut about 7-10cm from the top of the shoot, just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem). Fill a 12.5cm pot with a mix of half sand, half multi-purpose compost. Space the cuttings around the edge of the pot. Label and water. page 21
page 22 Taking semi-ripe cuttings (continued) 5 Put four canes or sticks 6 Put the pot in a bright 7 Open the bag from 8 around the edge of the pot, place a plastic bag over and fix it to the pot with string or elastic. place out of direct sunlight. time to time to let in air. To check if the cuttings have rooted, gently tug one of the leaves.
Planting bulbs Choose large, firm bulbs. Bulbs prefer rich well drained soil and a sunny spot. You will need... Bulb planter, bulbs, bone meal, watering can 1 Make a hole into cleared ground 2 Put a small amount of bone meal 3 using a bulb planter. Loosen the soil around the sides. into the bottom. Put your bulb, with its tip facing up, into the hole. page 23
page 24 Planting bulbs (continued) 4 Release the soil from the bulb 5 Firm in. 6 planter back over the bulb. Water well.
Taking hardwood cuttings Forsythia, willow and dogwood are some hardwood plants suitable for cuttings. You will need... Secateurs, large pot, sand and compost mix, watering can, label and pen, small canes or sticks and a plastic bag 1 Choose a stem that is as thick as a 2 Take all the leaves off. 3 pencil and at least 30cm long. Cut it off above a node. Measure 15-20cm up the cutting and make a sloping cut above a node. page 25
page 26 Taking hardwood cuttings (continued) 4 Fill a large pot with 5 Push five cuttings 6 half sand, half multipurpose compost. into the compost so that the top nodes are showing. Label and water and place outdoors. 7 The cuttings could also be put straight into into open ground rather than in pots. Cuttings take up to a year to root.
7 Garden calendar Here are a selection of seasonal garden job ideas. As always gardeners should pick and choose what is appropriate for their levels. Season Spring Activity Sowing vegetable and flower seeds Painting garden structures, fences, etc. Feeding the birds Equipment Sowing calendar, seeds, potting tray, sieve, watering can, labels, string and line (for outdoor sowing) compost, pots, seed trays, levelling board Paint, paint pots, dust sheets, brushes, sandpaper and blocks, dustpan and brush, masks, overalls or aprons Bird seed and feeders, equipment for making fat cakes seed, fat and suet, terracotta pots, microwave. Bird ID sheet, wildlife books and guides page 27 7 Garden calendar
7 Garden calendar page 28 Garden calendar (continued) Season Spring Activity Pricking out or transferring seedlings and potting on Mulching borders Grass maintenance Patio maintenance Equipment Pots, compost, dibber, pricking out tool, trowel, levelling board Bark mulch, wheelbarrow, spades, shovel and rakes Lawn mower, edging iron, edging shears, dustpan and brush, wheelbarrow, plank/board to edge against Weeding knives, buckets, kneelers, hoes, shovel, broom, dustpan and brush, sand
Season Summer Activity Lifting spring bulbs if in the way of summer bedding display store in dry conditions Removing spring/winter bedding Planting tubs and hanging baskets Watering, especially pots of vegetables and flowers Planting out vegetables in tubs or the ground Staking and supporting plants Harvesting mature vegetables and fruits Equipment Trays lined with newspaper, labels, trowels and buckets, secateurs Trowels, hand forks, pots, compost, wheelbarrows, buckets Tubs, hanging baskets, moss or basket liner, summer bedding plants, compost, slow release plant food or pellets, watering cans Hose or watering cans Vegetable plants, string and line, trowels, spades, watering can Hazel twigs, bamboo canes, cane caps, string, scissors Trays, secateurs, bags, punnets, buckets, trowels, hand forks page 29
page 30 Garden calendar (continued) Season Summer Activity Mowing and edging grass areas Sowing winter bedding (pansies and violas) Deadheading faded flowers Preparing semi-ripe cuttings Picking flowers and creating displays Patio maintenance Equipment As in Spring Seed sowing equipment and seeds Secateurs and/or scissors, buckets Sand and compost, pots or trays, watering can, secateurs, bucket Secateurs, scissors, baskets, vases or bowls, Oasis and Oasis holder; tape Weeding knives and scrapers, buckets, kneelers, hoes, shovel, broom, dustpan and brush, sand to fill in the cracks.
Season Autumn Activity Deadheading removing dead and faded flowers Harvesting Watering Planning for winter bedding or bulbs Taking semi-ripe cuttings Seed sowing perennials Weeding Edging and grass cutting Equipment Secateurs, buckets or bags, kneeler pads Secateurs, collecting trays, bags, punnets and elastic bands, hand forks, trowels Lightweight watering cans or hose Seed catalogues, big sheet of paper to draw plan, pens, scissors, magazines to cut out Sand and compost, pots or trays, watering cans, secateurs, bucket Seeds, seed trays, compost, sieve, watering can, labels and pencils, rubber Short or long-handled trowels or forks, rakes or hand rakes Mower, edging irons and shears, plank/board to edge against page 31
page 32 Garden calendar (continued) Season Autumn Activity Bulb planting Planting onion sets and garlic Making fat cakes for the birds, observing bird and wildlife Pruning roses Lifting and dividing perennials Sweeping and raking leaves Removal of summer bedding Sowing sweet peas Equipment Bulbs, bulb planters Onion and garlic sets, trowels or bulb planters, string and line See Spring Secateurs, buckets Large forks, small forks, spades, wheelbarrow, pots and compost Spring tine rakes, wheelbarrow, leaf collectors, shovel, brooms Trowels, hand forks, wheelbarrow, bucket Seeds, 9cm pots (square) compost, levelling board, dibber, watering can
Season Winter Activity Planning work for next year Preparing new beds from scratch, if the ground is not frozen Feeding the birds, making fat cakes Making a compost bin or leaf mould area Preparing new areas or new beds for planting Taking hardwood cuttings from: Forsythia, dogwood, Viburnum, Weigela, hazel, Winter honeysuckle, willow Propagation of strawberry runners Sweeping and raking leaves Equipment Flower and vegetable books, pens and paper, large paper for plans, seed catalogues Boards and tape measure, edging irons, spades, forks, wheelbarrow See Spring Instructions; chicken wire and old pallets, saw, nails, workbench, posts, pliers and secateurs Spades, shovels, forks, wheelbarrow, hand forks and hoes, buckets, secateurs Sand, compost, buckets, 2 litre or 1 litre pots, secateurs, labels, watering can Pegs, pots, compost, secateurs, strawberry plants See Autumn page 33
page 34 Garden calendar (continued) Season Winter Activity Xmas crafts, table decoration or willow wreaths Pot washing Potting on sweet peas Cutting back some perennials to the ground; leave ones which look good in winter or that need the dead foliage to protect them from the frost Checking semi ripe cuttings Equipment Foliage collected from the garden, string, scissors, Oasis and Oasis dish, tape, secateurs, buckets; willow, hazel, pine cones, baubles, spray paint (silver and gold) glitter Brushes, washing up liquid, cloths, plastic containers for clean and soapy water Dibber, pricking out tool, compost trays, pots, compost, labels, watering can, levelling board Secateurs, buckets, wheelbarrow These can be potted on when rooted
Your notes page 35
Your notes page 36
Acknowledgements This guide has been created to provide information and advice for gardening with someone who has memory loss, their carers, friends and families. We wish to acknowledge the ideas, contributions and support given by all those who have helped produce this guide. The production of this guide has been made possible with funding from The Partnership Development Fund, Berkshire West PCT. Liability Thrive accepts no responsibility for the consequences of any actions undertaken as a result of advice offered in this publication. Only attempt what is possible for you and the person you are caring for, and always consult a healthcare professional before commencing a new exercise regime. All information was correct at the time of going to print. Copyright All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be stored in a retrieval system or reproduced in any form whatsoever without the prior agreement and written permission of the publisher. Photography Photographs copyright 2010 Thrive. Special thanks to Mr. J Broady for his assistance. Selected images pages 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 27, 34 licensed by Ingram Publishing. page 37
Thrive National Office The Geoffrey Udall Centre Beech Hill Reading RG7 2AT. T: 0118 988 5688 E: info@thrive.org.uk W: www.thrive.org.uk www.carryongardening.co.uk Thrive is a small national charity that uses gardening to change the lives of disabled people. Thrive is registered in the UK as The Society of Horticultural Therapy. Thrive is registered charity number 277570 and a limited company number